Easiest DIY Home Renovations for the New Year

With a new year comes big plans and goals. If some of your big plans include making some improvements to your home, you’re not alone. Though interest rates are on the rise and there's talk of recession, the environment for remodeling is actually pretty healthy in 2024.

According to Kapitus, loan financier, the cost of building is expected to stabilize. Though demand will decrease, that will reduce the cost of building materials and free up more builders. Now is a great time to do those home renovations you've been putting off.

Ready to set some home improvement goals? For too many, new year goals wane then fade as spring draws near, but that’s the perfect time to start on the easiest DIY home renovations. Prioritize by time and budget then set out to remake your home.

The following offers you some of the best and easiest DIY home renovations.

Feature Wall

A feature wall is an easy DIY update you can do in any room of your home. It’s budget friendly and can be done in a weekend (or less). Changing up one wall can shift the entire vibe of a space.

Select a smaller wall that’s central to the space. Don’t be afraid to go bold on a feature wall. You can use wallpaper, paint, tile, textiles, etc. for your feature wall. Bold colors, patterns, murals, and stencils all work well for the feature wall. Don’t forget to stick to the same style and design as the rest of the room so that it remains harmonious.

 

Baseboard Heater Covers

Baseboard heater covers are easily overlooked but have a huge impact on your space. Giving these a refresh can change things considerably.

Don’t replace your baseboard heater covers with the same style you’ve got now. Check out the possibilities available with Baseboarders. These clean-lined covers have a more updated look that will change the whole look of the space. Consider Elliptus, with a curved face for a more organic look.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint goes a long way. Even if you don’t change the color, new paint cleans up the aesthetic and changes the feeling.

If you do choose to go with a new color, consider going with something on trend to enhance the freshness that paint provides. Not only will you clean things up with fresh paint, you’ll also breathe life into the design with something at the forefront of contemporary design.

 

Organizers

If one of your goals in 2024 is to be more organized, double up and make it one of your home improvement goals too.

Organizers of all sorts can help your home function better and make the most of the space you have. Permanent organization items can add value to your home and give clear direction to how spaces can be used most effectively. Add pull out shelves to kitchen cabinets, boxes to vanity cabinets, and built-ins to living rooms.

New Vanity

An easy refresh for the bathroom is the replacement of the vanity. The most difficult element is a little sink plumbing. Otherwise, it’s another project you can complete in a weekend.

Order an integrated vanity with cabinet, counter and sink included. The integrated countertop and sink is on trend and adds a little something that freshens up the design singlehandedly. You can also give your current vanity an update by replacing the top or adding new handles or knobs.

Bath Accessories

Update bath accessories, like the soap dispensers, toilet paper holders, towel racks, etc. in just a few hours and give your bathroom some new bling.

While you’re updating your bathroom accessories, consider upgrading too. Add towel heater racks and luxury accessories to amp up the look and feel of your bathroom. Even the little things make a big difference.

Front Door

A bit of paint on the front door gives the exterior of your home a whole new look. You can give it a fresh coat of the same color or choose a totally new color.

If you go for a new color, try a contrasting but coordinating color that makes the door pop. Add a new doormat, wreath, and address numbers to complete your makeover.

 

How to Plan & Budget for DIY Home Updates Now

Before you break out the paint brushes it’s important to think through your project. Here are a few questions to ask yourself.

• Is this project in your skillset?
  
  If you already have experience with similar projects, you’re home free. But, if it’s new to you, do some research to see if it’s something you can learn. Some things are best left to professionals. There’s nothing wrong with admitting a project is outside your scope of expertise. You might end up spending more money and time and have to call in a pro anyway if you get in over your head.
• What’s the budget?
  
  Write out every expense associated with a project before you get started so you can ensure you’ll be able to complete it before the money runs out. Add 10-15% margin to your budget to cover unexpected expenses—they will happen.
  
  
• What’s your timeline?
  
  DIY projects don’t have to run on a tight timeline, but it can be helpful to set one anyway. You wouldn’t want the project to drag on week after week. Pick a long weekend or time when you know you can dedicate the time to the project. Determine each step in the project then set yourself a timeline for completion.
  
  
  

Faucets

New faucet fixtures are a simple update that you can do in a day. They can be the cherry on top of a larger project or a quick upgrade that gives the kitchen or bathroom a refresh. Beware, once you have new faucets, you’ll want to replace the sink. Before you know it, you’re in a full-fledged renovation.

The faucet is a great way to set the tone for the design of a space. You can immediately change the trajectory of a design from blah to contemporary with just the faucet. Chrome is the most popular, but gold tones are coming back in a big way too.

Light Fixtures

Much like faucets, light fixtures have the power to change the vibe in a space pretty easily. They are like accessories for your favorite outfit. They can dress up the space or dress it down. Make it feel cozy and light or more formal.

Replacing light fixtures is one of the easiest DIY home renovations but don’t forget to consider adding more light to your space. Sconces, under cabinet lighting, accent lighting, lamps, etc. all add different types of light and can shift the functionality and look of the space.

 

Backsplash

It’s a project that can be done in a weekend and has a big impact because it’s so visible. The backsplash is a great DIY project that transforms the kitchen in the best way.

Whether you go with tile, stone, tin, or glass, a refreshed backsplash is something most homeowners feel confident tackling themselves. It’s also a rewarding project because it changes up the kitchen so much.

Showerhead

A new showerhead can take your bathroom from the dark ages to spa status. Do it yourself in less than a day and start enjoying the shower in a whole new way.

Consider a showerhead that adds some luxury to the bathroom. Perhaps a rain showerhead will do the trick. Or get a system that includes a hand sprayer, body jets, or even steam components.

The easiest DIY home renovations can also be the most impactful. Plan for one (or two or three) projects this year to start enjoying a new vibe in your home in 2024.

Want more on what’s trending in 2024? Read on.

More Home Trends